An estimated 65,000 people turned out Saturday for the opening of Las Vegas' MGM Grand Hotel, Casino and Theme Park, which is billed as the largest hotel and casino in the world.
The huge resort was flooded by tourists and residents who wanted a look at the 5,005-room hotel, casino, events center and 33-acre theme park.The MGM Grand is the third new hotel to open along the city's famed Strip within the past two months, following behind the Luxor and Treasure Island hotels.
Executives said the hotel is geared toward families, noting that research shows the "baby boomer" generation feels guilty about not spending enough time with their children.
The resort's theme park includes 12 rides and several live shows geared toward families.
Resort spokesman Eric Hiss said an additional 8,000 people paid admission fees ranging between $20 and $25 to enter the amusement park.
But one of the most anticipated events surrounding the MGM Grand's opening is yet to come. Tickets to singer Barbra Streisand's two New Year's Eve concerts, which sold out minutes after they went on sale, are going for as much as $1,500 each.